Huntley Recognizes It's Our Little Secret's Efforts to Raise Awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month

Huntley-based It’s Our Little Secret got support for its Blue Ribbon Campaign Thursday when the village passed a proclamation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

It’s Our Little Secret is a nonprofit that reaches out to children and teens of sexual, emotional and physical abuse to empower them. Its mission statement is "to make a difference in the lives of the children through through various IOLS specific programs so they will learn to live and not just survive," according to its website.

The Blue Ribbon Campaign is aimed at promoting children’s social and emotional well-being and prevent child abuse/neglect within families and communities.

Maebelle Obispo, a co-founder, said the idea is to make blue ribbons the symbol of child abuse prevention much like pink ribbons are the symbol of breast cancer.

IOLS is selling “Keep Families Strong” bracelet for $1.00 each and has events planned throughout the month including:

• Volunteer Day, 12 p.m. Saturday, April 14, IOLS office at 12201 Sinnett Street, Huntley.

• IOLS Blue Ribbon Day 9 a.m. Monday, April 21, Crystal Lake Soccer House, Lippold Park, Crystal Lake.

• IOLS Run/Walk Sunday, April 29, Deicke Park, Huntley. Visit www.itsourlittlesecret.org for more information.

The agency has suggestions for families to raise awareness:

• Tie blue ribbons around in the community
• Join in our official Art for Awareness Contest. Visit www.itsourlittlesecret.org for contest rules
• Display April Child Abuse Prevention Poster
• Make Blue Ribbon Lapel Pins to Hand Out
• Make your own tie-dye or just blue colored Blue Ribbon for Kids Campaign T-shirts to wear, sell for donations, or hand out for to wear throughout the month of April.
• Have a family theme movie night sponsoring the Blue Ribbon for Kids / April Awareness Campaign
• A penny Drive with the donations going to support the children currently in foster care.

For other locations to get Blue Ribbons, wristbands, and community packets, register for the race, or find out how you can get more involved, visit the IOLS website at www.itsourlittlesecret.org